C107 Lin Zhiqing Cried!

A single, glistening tear traced its way down Lin Zhiqing's cheek.

It was only now that she finally came to her senses.

She tried to wriggle free but found herself pinned beneath Zhang Chen's weight!

Gazing into his face, mere inches from hers, Lin Zhiqing was lost in bewilderment.

Yet, despite the long wait, the anticipated gunshot never came.

Zhang Chen, taken aback, looked up in confusion.

To his astonishment, Chair Bai had been hoisted up, and the gun was no longer in his grasp!

Seeing the resolute figure of the man, Zhang Chen was filled with ecstatic relief.

Loong San had arrived!

Chair Bai's face was beet red, gasping for air was impossible!

Before him, Loong San's eyes burned with lethal intent.

Chair Bai shook uncontrollably, his eyes wide with terror.

Only now did a pang of regret strike Chair Bai's heart.

But it was far too late.

With a thud, Chair Bai was flung to the ground.

His head lolled to the side, and he was out cold.

A collective sigh rippled through the onlookers.

The crowd, who had been watching from a distance, was completely dumbfounded.

Zhang Chen let out a deep breath, his rigid body finally relaxing, and he instinctively collapsed forward.

But he had forgotten about Lin Zhiqing beneath him.

As he fell, his lips unintentionally brushed against Lin Zhiqing's cheek.

Zhang Chen's eyes went wide.

He opened his eyes to find himself looking directly into hers.

Startled, Zhang Chen quickly stood up.

"I'm sorry. That was unintentional," Zhang Chen said with an embarrassed smile.

Lin Zhiqing was still reeling, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts that left her utterly disoriented.

Loong San approached with a grave expression. "Young Master Chen, I apologize. I've failed in my duties."

He bowed his head in shame.

He had been waiting in the wings, never anticipating that Chair Bai would be armed.

Zhang Chen quickly reassured him with a smile, "You're here now, that's what matters. No need for self-reproach. Without you, I'd be dead already."

Loong San gave Zhang Chen a meaningful look, deeply moved.

Lin Zhiqing managed to rise, her gaze fixated on the wound on Zhang Chen's shoulder.

Zhang Chen was momentarily stunned before the reality of the situation hit him, and a sharp pain coursed through him.

Lin Zhiqing's expression was a mix of emotions as she began to speak in a faint voice.

However, before she could elaborate, the sound of footsteps echoed around them.

Turning her head, she saw the dean approaching with a group of people in tow.

Zhang Chen, clutching his shoulder, grinned and said, "Dean, I can't thank you enough for your assistance today. Without it, we might have been seriously maligned."

The dean gave Zhang Chen a meaningful glance before smiling warmly. "No need for thanks. The hospital has clearly been negligent. Rest assured, I will personally see to it that Miss Lin is compensated."

"How's your injury?"

Suppressing the pain, Zhang Chen replied cheerfully, "It's nothing serious. I'll head to the hospital shortly to get it treated."

The dean nodded solemnly.

"Now that this has been settled, I'll take my leave. Miss Lin, I shall make it a point to visit you soon."

With that, he bowed respectfully to Lin Zhiqing.

She was taken aback.

Was the dean really showing her such respect?

By the time she gathered her wits, the dean and his entourage had departed.

Zhang Chen scanned the area only to realize that Loong San, Chair Bai, and the woman had vanished.

The dean stood rooted to the spot, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes before he, too, departed with his group.

The onlookers gradually melted away.

A reporter attempted to continue the interview but was promptly blocked by the security guards.

Now that the truth was out, Lin Zhiqing's concerns for her company dissipated.

Yet, the image of Zhang Chen coming to her rescue lingered in her mind.

Soon after, a police car pulled up.

For some reason, Lin Zhiqing felt an inexplicable surge of nervousness.

But before the officers could approach, the one in charge received a phone call and discreetly left.

Zhang Chen's brow furrowed, a glint of confusion in his eyes.

He remained silent, lost in thought.

As she held her shoulder, she realized that being shot wasn't as painful as she had feared.

Lin Zhiqing collected her thoughts and asked with concern, "Zhang Chen, how's your wound?"

He smiled reassuringly and said, "I'm alright. I'll get it treated at the hospital. You should head back to the office."

After he finished speaking, Lin Zhiqing took hold of his arm and led him toward a nearby car.

Zhang Chen paused, momentarily taken aback.

What was she up to?

They quickly reached a Volkswagen parked at the curb.

Without a word, Lin Zhiqing opened the passenger door and practically shoved Zhang Chen inside before starting the car and speeding off toward the hospital.

Zhang Chen felt a sense of resignation but chose to remain silent.

Internally, he was brimming with curiosity. Who had recalled the police car?

Chair Bai and that woman were surely in Loong San's custody by now, and he wondered if Loong San could extract any useful information.

As for the identity of the puppet master, that would have to wait until Chair Bai regained consciousness.

He let out a soft sigh.

Zhang Chen had the unsettling feeling that an invisible net was closing in overhead, descending upon him slowly.

They arrived at the hospital before long.

It seemed as though Lin Zhiqing had only just processed the urgency of the situation as she hurriedly ushered Zhang Chen into surgery.

The bullet was removed swiftly by the doctor.

Half an hour later, Zhang Chen emerged from the haze of anesthesia.

As he opened his eyes, they locked with Lin Zhiqing's.

She quickly averted her gaze, like a startled rabbit, and murmured, "You're awake."

Zhang Chen took a moment to gather his thoughts, which were gradually coming back into focus.

Eventually, he offered a smile and replied, "Yes, I'm awake."

Lin Zhiqing, her head bowed, spoke earnestly, "Thank you for saving me."

Zhang Chen simply shook his head, choosing not to respond verbally.

His recovery was swift.

Together, he and Lin Zhiqing left the hospital.

Throughout the drive back, Lin Zhiqing's expression was a mix of emotions, her thoughts in disarray.

Zhang Chen, with a cheery demeanor, suggested, "You should head back first. With everything that's happened, they'll need you there to manage the situation."

His words mirrored Lin Zhiqing's own thoughts.

She was indeed anxious to return, yet her concern for Zhang Chen lingered.

Zhang Chen reassured her with a smile, "I'm alright. A good sleep at home will do me wonders. Besides, I could use the rest."

Catching Zhang Chen's reflection in the rearview mirror, Lin Zhiqing took a long, deep look before conceding, "Alright."

With that, she changed course.

The car came to a stop, and Zhang Chen stepped out. Only then did Lin Zhiqing drive away.

Zhang Chen gave a resigned shake of his head.

To his surprise, Lin Zhiqing had taken him to the Lin family's estate.

Considering Han Qiqi was still at the hotel, Zhang Chen knew he needed to return quickly.

He was about to hail a taxi when a black Mercedes-Benz smoothly pulled up alongside him.

Without a moment's hesitation, Zhang Chen opened the door and climbed in.

The vehicle took off, heading straight for the hotel.

Loong San spoke with a grave tone, "Chair Bai hasn't come to yet, but I have a feeling he's not connected to the Shenyin case."

Hearing this, a wave of tension gripped Zhang Chen once more.